Thread: Buffer vs. Grinder

Hi guys, need some help. I had no idea a bench top buffer is different than a bench top grinder.

I thought you just buy a grinder and change wheels. Evidently, after shopping around, that's not the case. Any tips on what brand of buffer and where to buy a half decent one. Not the top of the line but one that will do a good job for restoration work.

I would appreciate the help.

Thanks,
Vince

I went to Harbor Freight and bought a cheap 1/2 or 3/4 horse, 8" or 6" grinder with the 1/2" shaft coming out at both ends. Took off everything down to the bare shaft, Threw out everything but the nuts. Bought Harbors cotton wheels 4 ea and 1/2" washers to shim the wheels. Its important to also get the plastic shaft reducers to put in the wheels so they run true. Finally the 4 different rouges, all at Harbor, Home Depot etc. I also use the set up for the 6" 3M bristle wheels 60,220,440 grit. Been using it for years. Love it.

Ask anytime

Joe

Thanks Joe.

Vince

Vince,
Actually, there's not much difference. You can buy a bench grinder pretty cheap and take the guards off it (usually 3 screws) and it works great as a buffer. I've used one for years. I recently purchased a buffer from Sears, too. About the only difference is longer shafts. $99 for a 1/2 hp 3450 rpm.

Thanks Joe. I saw one at Sears for $79. I toought I need more speed. Having watched Bills sd again, I don't need all that much speed.

If you are looking to go cheap, check out the Harborfreight buffers too. No modifications needed.

1/2 HP 6" buffer $50

3/4 HP 8" buffer $70

3/4 HP 5/8" arbor combo 8" grinding wheel & buffer 5/8" $110

3/4 HP 3/4" arbor combo 8" grinding wheel & buffer $115

You don't get the Sears warranty, but the stuff is usually decent. It's made in China, but then, so is the Sears...

John

Thanks for all the help. I can always count on you guys. At least I know what the heck I'm looking for now. Got my eye on something on Ebay.

Now I just can't beleive what the 6 inch 3M radial bristle brushes go for.

And, all I wanted was a good shave. Here we go again. This ain't bad though. It's when I start building the addition to the house to hold all of this stuff that's going to hurt.

Vince

I have a belt sander coming which is really great for the grinding.......wondering about a buffer, especially for a large flap wheel, but then theres the drill press and table radial saw if I can find a nice one........never ending story of truth justice and the american straight razor.......hahahahahaha

Lynn

Originally Posted by adjustme69

I have a belt sander coming which is really great for the grinding.......wondering about a buffer, especially for a large flap wheel, but then theres the drill press and table radial saw if I can find a nice one........never ending story of truth justice and the american straight razor.......hahahahahaha

Lynn

It's freaky to discover how much stuff you "need", ain't it? I just popped for a new band saw suitable for resawing. (BTW, I'll have some scale blanks for sale soon for anyone interested...hey I gotta pay for the saw somehow. )

P.S. Lynn, did you go for the KMG, or stick with the Bader?

Bader,

By the time I priced out the wheels I wanted, it all came out in the wash......

This should be fun.....

Lynn